12 Unproductive Habits Successful People Avoid

1. Giving yourself too much work
Successful people know their limits when it comes to work. Even though they have a good work ethic they never allow themselves to become overwhelmed with work and commitments in a short period of time. Everyone has limits and you must always be aware of your own.

2. Technology distractions
Electronic devices have made us their slaves. We use them every day even when we are not working. However, successful people don’t waste their time on social media or doing something unproductive. Technology should be used smart and responsibly.

3. Having no plan
If you don’t have a plan you are very likely to fail. Instea of thinking what you should do, use that time to plan ahead. It does not have to include every detail of your future life, a simple “to-do” list will work fine too.

4. Not being focused
Changing your priorities too often is never a good idea. You must always be aware of the things that come first, second and third at any time of the day. Instead of creating unnecessary chaos in your life, try to remain focus on the things that truly matter.

5. Working too late
This does not mean you should avoid your work responsibilities, but the time you spend on yourself. Even though you may find yourself working too late from time to time, it should not become an everyday habit. Getting good sleep at night is crucial if you want to be productive during the day.

6. Leaving things unfinished
Successful people never leave anything unfinished. Philip Stanhope who was a British statesman in the 18th century once told his son: “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.”

7. Poor listening
Always pay attention when people share their opinions and ideas with you. This will help you accumulate knowledge and the things you hear may be very useful sometimes in your life.

8. Going it alone
Avoiding spending time with people instead of working in a team will make you feel too stressed especially if you rushing to complete your work on deadline. This can also lead to missed opportunities.

9. Resting on your laurels
If you don’t upgrade your skills and knowledge all the time you can’t expect to achieve great things. Your brain constantly needs to learn something new in order to increase your limitations. Challenge your brain every day.

10. Pointless meetings
Successful people are often great leaders and they never speak unless they have something important to say. Also, they never organize long meetings if they are not productive or informative.

11. Being disorganized
It does not mean you should be always neat and tidy, however you should make sure your thoughts are in order. Don’t waste time running from one task to another, try to find an organizational method that will help you become more productive and focused.

12. Allowing unnecessary interruptions
No one likes being interrupted while working, unless it is an emergency. If you allow to be disturbed when working you will never be productive. Try to focus your mind on what you are working on. Studies have shown that once you are disrupted your brain takes about 25 minutes to focus again on the task. Learn how to say no or I’m working and tell people in advance that you are going to spend the following few hours working.